Unspoken Love

Sky's pencil flew across the page, dark lines slashing through the pristine white paper. The silhouette of a dress emerged - sharp angles softened by flowing fabric, a design that spoke of both strength and vulnerability. Her hand trembled as she sketched, smudging the lines.

"Wrong. All wrong. Bwesit!" She ripped the page out, crumpled it into a ball, and tossed it toward her overflowing wastebasket. It bounced off the rim, joining a dozen other discarded designs on her bedroom floor.

Pink Post-its covered her inspiration board, each scrawled with ideas that had seemed brilliant at 3 AM. Magazine cutouts of red-carpet looks overlapped with her own sketches. A collection of starry night photographs filled the empty spaces - reminders of better times, of promises made under those same stars.

Her gaze drifted to the silver frame on her nightstand. Ethan's smile mocked her from behind the glass. His arm wrapped around her waist, both of them laughing at some forgotten joke. Sky lunged forward, slamming the frame face-down with enough force to rattle her coffee mug.

"Jerk. Gago! Manloloko!" The last word caught in her throat.

She grabbed her pencil again, pressing harder this time. The design took shape - a gown with a neckline that plunged like a knife wound, sleeves that twisted like thorny vines. Her coffee grew cold beside her, forgotten in the fury of creation.

The fabric samples scattered across her bed shifted as she moved, silk sliding against cotton, tulle catching on denim. Sky's fingers brushed against a scrap of pink chiffon - the same shade as the dress she'd worn on their first date. Her pencil snapped in her grip.

"Focus," she muttered, reaching for another from her Hello Kitty pencil case. "Focus lang sa design, Sky. Kaya mo 'to, hindi lang siya ang lalaki sa mundo. Di siya kawalan."

But the lines kept blurring, her vision clouding with unshed tears. The sketch stared back at her, beautiful and broken, like the pieces of her heart she was trying so hard to hold together.

Sky's phone buzzed against her thigh, Quill's name lighting up the screen. Her heart clenched - she'd missed three texts from her best friend already today. She swiped to answer, forcing brightness into her voice.

"Hey you!"

"Sky?" Quill's voice came through softer than usual, tentative. "Okay ka lang?"

"Of course!" Sky kicked at a crumpled sketch on the floor, watching it roll under her desk. "Just working on some designs. You know how it goes."

The lie tasted bitter. Quill's silence on the other end spoke volumes - she always could read through Sky's fake cheerfulness. Sky's fingers traced the edge of her sketchbook, following the jagged tears where she'd ripped out pages.

"Sure ka talaga?" Quill's question hung in the air.

Sky's chest tightened. She stared at the overturned photo frame, at the scattered fabric samples that suddenly felt like evidence of her unraveling. The words stuck in her throat. A long sigh escaped instead.

"Gusto mo ng kausap? Alam mo naman na andito lang ako palagi." Quill's voice wrapped around her like a warm blanket, gentle and familiar. The concern in her tone made Sky's eyes burn with fresh tears.

Sky pulled her knees to her chest, phone pressed against her ear. The space between their breaths felt heavy with everything she couldn't say. Her gaze drifted to the starry photographs on her wall - memories of late-night conversations with Quill, of sharing dreams and fears under those same stars.

"Not really..." Sky's voice cracked. "I just... Hindi ko na alam, Quill."

The silence stretched between them, filled with Quill's unspoken worry. Sky could picture her friend's face - that soft, concerned look she got whenever Sky was hurting. It made her want to cry harder and laugh at the same time. How did Quill always know? How could she hear everything Sky wasn't saying?

"I could come over?" Quill's offer floated through the phone, warm and tempting. Sky's fingers traced the edge of her torn sketch, following the jagged line where passion had turned to frustration.

"No, I'm fine. Kaya ko 'to. Okay lang ako, Ate." The lie felt heavy on her tongue. Her gaze caught on the pink chiffon again, memories of Ethan's betrayal rising like bile. "Just stuck on this design. The lines aren't flowing right."

"Sky..."

That tone. That gentle, knowing tone that stripped away her defenses. Sky pressed her forehead against her knees, phone clutched tight against her ear. Quill didn't need to say more - she never did. She just waited, patient as always, while Sky's carefully constructed walls crumbled.

"He was with her for months." The words spilled out, bitter and raw. "While I was planning our anniversary dinner, picking out matching couple outfits, dreaming about..." Sky's voice cracked. "God, ang tanga tanga ko."

"Hindi ka tanga." Steel threaded through Quill's voice. "He's the idiot who threw away the best thing that ever happened to him."

Sky's laugh came out hollow. "Right. The best thing. That's why he-" She cut herself off, throat tight. Her eyes burned as she stared at her inspiration board, at all the romantic designs she'd sketched while thinking of him. "I really thought he was different."

The silence stretched between them, filled with everything Quill wasn't saying. Sky could picture her friend's face - that mix of worry and barely contained anger she got whenever someone hurt Sky. It made her heart ache in a way she couldn't quite understand.

"What's wrong with me? May mali ba ako? Kasi kung oo, kaya ko naman baguhin para sa kanya." she murmured, voice fragile. "Why can't I find someone who..." Who sees me the way you do, she nearly voiced, but the notion fled like startled sparrows.

"There's nothing wrong with you." Quill's voice wrapped around her like a warm embrace. "You deserve someone who sees how amazing you are. Someone who wouldn't dream of hurting you. And you're more than enough, Sky. Dont ever forget that."

Sky closed her eyes, letting Quill's words wash over her. The torn sketches, the scattered fabric, the overturned photo - all evidence of another failed fairy tale. But Quill's voice... Quill's voice felt like coming home.

»

The morning sun filtered through the campus windows as Sky dragged herself to their usual meeting spot. Her friends huddled around their favorite table in the courtyard, their chatter dying as they caught sight of her face.

"Girl, you look like hell." Jolie's eyes widened. "Anong nangyari sayo?"

Sky collapsed into an empty chair, her design portfolio hitting the table with a thud. "Ethan happened."

"What did that jerk do?" Sofia scooted closer, her hand finding Sky's.

"He cheated on me." The words still burned. "With some girl at his firm. For months."

"Ay! Ang kapal naman ng mukha ng gag-" Jolie's curse was cut off by Gabby's sharp elbow to her ribs.

"While you were planning your anniversary?" Gabby's calm voice carried an edge of steel.

Sky nodded, her throat tight. "And then, pinuntahan ako ni Quill sa condo. She brought those chocolate cupcakes from my favorite bakery - you know, the ones she always gets when..." She trailed off, picking at a loose thread on her sleeve.

"Of course she did." Jolie's tone shifted, a knowing smirk playing at her lips. "And what else did our knight in shining armor do?"

"She stayed on the phone with me for hours. Missed some big meeting at work just to bring me cupcakes and listen to me cry." Sky's chest warmed at the memory. "I don't deserve her."

Sofia and Jolie exchanged pointed looks while Gabby rolled her eyes.

"Are you kidding me right now?" Jolie leaned in closer. "Quill always puts you first, alright? You're that important to her."

"What? No, it's not like that." Sky's cheeks flushed. "She's just being a good friend."

"Right." Gabby's dry tone made Sky's blush deepen. "A friend who knows your coffee order by heart and threatens to commit murder every time someone hurts you."

"Speaking of murder," Sofia chimed in, "ano gagawin natin kay Ethan?"

Sky shifted in her seat, uncomfortable with how the conversation had turned from Ethan to Quill. Her friends' knowing looks made her stomach flutter in a way she didn't want to examine too closely.

"Wala tayong gagawin kay Ethan." Sky pulled her portfolio closer, fingers tracing the edges. "He's not worth it."

"Oh come on," Jolie pressed. "At least butasan natin gulong ng kotse niya. Kahit isa lang, please?"

"Jolenne!" Gabby's stern voice couldn't quite hide her amusement.

"What? I'm being practical here. Masyadong marami kung apat talaga binutas."

Sky couldn't help the small laugh that escaped. Trust Jolie to make destruction sound reasonable. Her phone buzzed - another text from Quill checking in. The screen showed a photo of a coffee cup with a heart drawn in the foam, alongside the message: "Thought you could use this. I'll be there in 10 minutes?"

"Ayan na naman si bff niya at pang jowa na gestures." Sofia peered over Sky's shoulder. Ang swerte naman ng Sky namin na yan."

"That's what friends do." Sky locked her phone, but the image of the heart lingered in her mind. Quill had probably asked the barista to add that special touch, knowing it would make Sky smile. The thought warmed her chest in a way she wasn't ready to understand.

"Friends." Gabby's deadpan delivery drew out the word. "Right."

Sky's cheeks burned. "Can we focus on the real issue here? Like how I have to completely redesign my final collection because everything I sketched was inspired by that lying piece of-"

"Language," Sofia teased, squeezing Sky's hand.

"I was going to say garbage." Sky pulled out her latest sketches, spreading them across the table. The angry lines and torn edges reflected her emotional state all too clearly. "See? Everything's just... wrong."

The sound of clicking heels made Sky look up from her sketches. Quill strode across the courtyard, juggling a coffee carrier in one hand and waving with the other. The morning sun caught her hair, and Sky's heart did a funny little skip.

"Coffee delivery!" Quill set down the carrier, pulling out Sky's drink first - a caramel macchiato with an extra shot, topped with that perfect foam heart. "And something else..."

She reached into her blazer pocket and pulled out a handful of glossy tickets. Sky's eyes widened as she caught the names printed in bold: RINI and Kehlani.

"No way." Sky grabbed the tickets, her fingers trembling. "These are VIP passes! How did you-"

"I might have called in a few favors at work." Quill's smile lit up her whole face. "The festival's this weekend. I thought maybe you and the girls could use a night out."

Sky's chest filled with warmth. This weekend - when she should have been celebrating her anniversary with Ethan. Instead, she'd be seeing her favorite artists with her favorite people. Before she could think twice, she launched herself at Quill, wrapping her arms around her neck.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She pressed a kiss to Quill's cheek, feeling the skin warm beneath her lips.

Someone - probably Jolie - let out an exaggerated cough. Sky pulled back to find Quill's face flushed pink, her eyes wide and soft. The realization of what she'd done hit Sky like a splash of cold water.

"Thank you, Ate Quill." Sky stepped back, her own cheeks burning. "You're the best."

Quill touched her cheek where Sky's lips had been, that adorable blush spreading down her neck. "It's nothing. I just wanted to make you happy."

Behind them, Sofia whispered something that made Gabby snort and Jolie break into a grin. Sky ignored them, focusing instead on how the tickets felt in her hands - solid proof that someone cared enough to turn her heartbreak into something beautiful.

"Sama ka sa amin." Sky clutched Quill's wrist, the tickets pressed between their hands. "Please? It won't be the same without you."

"I don't want to intrude on your girls' night." Quill's eyes darted between Sky and their friends. "These tickets were meant for-"

"For all of us," Sky cut in. "Including you."

"She's right." Gabby nodded. "Di ko kayang bantayan silang tatlo, baka makanap na naman ng away si Jolie?"

"That was one time!" Jolie protested.

Quill's resolve wavered, her smile softening as she met Sky's pleading gaze. "Well, if you're sure..."

"Absolutely sure." Sky squeezed her wrist.

"Okay, okay." Quill checked her watch. "But I need to head back to work. Big meeting in twenty."

Sky watched Quill hurry across the courtyard, her heart still racing from their earlier proximity. The phantom warmth of Quill's cheek against her lips lingered.

"So..." Jolie's voice dripped with mischief. "That was quite a thank-you kiss."

"What? No!" Sky's face burned. "It wasn't like that. She's my Ate Quill."

"Mhmm." Jolie propped her chin on her hand. "Speaking of your 'Ate' Quill... is she seeing anyone?"

Sky's stomach dropped. "Why?"

"Curious lang." Jolie's grin widened. "Ganda niya kasi, lalo na kanina. You think may pag-asa ako sa kanya?"

"No!" The word burst out sharper than Sky intended. She cleared her throat. "I mean, she's probably too busy for dating. With work and everything."

"Too busy for everyone, or just too busy for me?" Jolie's eyes sparkled with triumph.

"For anyone." Sky busied herself organizing her sketches, avoiding Jolie's knowing look. "Besides, she's... she's Quill. You can't just..."

"Can't just what?" Jolie pressed.

Sky's hands stilled over her papers. The thought of Quill dating anyone - especially Jolie - made her chest tight in a way she couldn't explain. "She's family," she finished lamely.

"Right. Family." Jolie exchanged looks with Sofia and Gabby. "That's why you're getting all worked up about me asking if may pag-asa ako? Although, nagbibiro lang ako pero interesting reaction ha."

"I'm not worked up!" But Sky's voice cracked, betraying her.

»

The festival grounds buzzed with energy as Sky pulled Quill through the entrance gates, her fingers wrapped tight around her friend's wrist. The bass from distant speakers thrummed through her bones, matching her racing heartbeat.

"RINI's going to open with 'Meet Me in Amsterdam,' I just know it." Sky bounced on her toes, scanning the growing crowd. "Did you see his latest Instagram story? The stage setup looks incredible."

Quill stumbled along beside her, a soft laugh escaping as she tried to keep pace. "Dahan dahan lang, Sky. We've got plenty of time."

"But we need to get close to the stage! Bilis guys!" Sky tugged harder, throwing a grin over her shoulder.

Sofia skipped beside them, arms raised in an exaggerated imitation of Sky's excitement. "Oh my god, RINI! I can't even!" She clutched her chest, swooning dramatically.

Sky stuck out her tongue. "I do not sound like that."

Behind them, Gabby drifted along, nose buried in her phone while Jolie trudged forward with her hands pressed against her ears.

"The noise," Jolie groaned. "It's like being trapped inside a giant speaker."

Sky spun around, walking backward. "Excuse me? Is that complaining I hear from the self-proclaimed OPM avid singer sa karaoke?"

"At least 'di ako nagre-relapse bigla kapag nakikinig sa "Sky Blues" playlist mo." Jolie smirked.

"Better than having the musical taste of a granny, puro pangmatanda nasa playlist mo." Sky shot back, grinning.

"Pangmatanda daw- Listen here, you pink-obsessed pop princess-"

Sofia doubled over laughing as they traded insults, while Gabby glanced up from her phone long enough to roll her eyes, the corner of her mouth twitching.

Sky felt light, invincible even, surrounded by her favorite people. The festival lights painted everything in soft pinks and purples, and for once she wasn't thinking about Ethan or failed relationships or broken hearts. She caught Quill watching her, something soft and unreadable in her expression, but before Sky could decipher it, Quill looked away, adjusting her jacket with careful movements.

The VIP section stretched before them like a private oasis, all sleek lounges and twinkling lights. Sky's breath caught as a security guard ushered their group through. The music felt different here - clearer, more intimate, with just enough space between bodies to breathe.

"This is insane." Sky's fingers found Quill's sleeve again, tugging her toward the elevated platform. "We can see everything from here."

The stage sprawled below them, close enough to catch every detail. Crew members scurried between equipment, their movements precise and practiced. Sky pressed against the railing, drinking in the perfect view. Her heart thundered with the bass line of the opening act.

"Want something to drink?" Quill's voice came close to her ear, cutting through the music.

Sky turned, finding Quill's face inches from hers. The festival lights played across her features, casting soft shadows that made Sky's stomach flip. "Yes, please."

"I'll grab everyone's orders." Quill's hand brushed Sky's shoulder as she stepped back. "Wag ka umalis dyan."

"As if I'd move from this spot." Sky grinned, but her skin tingled where Quill had touched her.

Sofia squeezed in beside Sky at the railing, bouncing to the rhythm. "This view is everything! How did Quill even get these passes?"

"She's amazing, isn't she?" The words slipped out before Sky could catch them. Heat crept up her neck as Sofia's eyebrows shot up. "I mean, the tickets are amazing. The view is amazing."

"Mhmm." Sofia's knowing smile made Sky's cheeks burn hotter.

The opening notes of RINI's first song cut through any response Sky might have made. Her heart soared as the crowd erupted, and she found herself reaching for Quill - only to remember she wasn't there.

The bass thrummed through Sky's bones as Quill navigated back through the crowd, drinks balanced precariously in her hands. Sky latched onto her arm the moment she returned, swaying to RINI's smooth vocals while Sofia and Jolie fought over the best spots at the railing.

"Here." Quill passed Sky her drink, their fingers brushing. The contact sent a shiver down Sky's spine that had nothing to do with the night air.

The lights painted Quill's face in soft hues as she watched their friends' antics, her lips curved in that gentle smile Sky knew so well. Something about the way the shadows played across Quill's features made Sky's breath catch.

The opening notes of "Aphrodite" filled the air, and Sky's heart skipped. She fumbled for her phone, hitting record as RINI's voice soared through the chorus. Without thinking, she swung the camera toward Quill, catching her mid-sip.

Quill startled, nearly spilling her drink. "Sky!"

"Come on, dance with me!" Sky kept filming as Quill shook her head, laughing.

The lyrics wrapped around them - "...could it be that you're the one I'm looking for" - and Sky's finger hovered over the stop button, suddenly transfixed. The festival lights caught the soft waves of Quill's hair, the curve of her smile, the warmth in her eyes as she watched Sky dance. Something about the moment felt sacred, like a truth Sky wasn't quite ready to face.

Quill's eyes crinkled at the corners as she watched Sky bounce to the rhythm, her own body swaying slightly. She'd never been one for dancing, but her joy at seeing Sky happy radiated from every subtle movement, every soft glance.

Sky lowered her phone, caught between the music and the way Quill looked at her - like she was something precious, something worth protecting. The chorus swelled again, and Sky found herself wondering if this was what the song meant about seeing divinity in someone else.

The bass thrummed through the crowd as Sky swayed to the music, missing Quill's steady presence beside her. Quill had excused herself to the restroom, leaving Sky with her friends near the railing.

"Hey there, princess." A deep voice cut through the music. Two guys sidled up to the railing, all easy smiles and styled hair. The taller one's eyes swept over Sky's outfit. "Love the dress. Really brings out your eyes."

Sky tucked her hair behind her ear, warmth creeping up her neck at the attention. "Thanks."

"Can we buy you a drink?" The shorter one leaned closer, his cologne sharp and overwhelming.

"Oh, I'm good." Sky lifted her half-full cup. "Thanks though."

"Come on, beautiful." The taller guy's smile shifted into something predatory. His hand brushed Sky's bare arm. "Let us show you a good time. I bet we could make you forget all about dancing."

Sky's stomach churned. She stepped back, bumping into Sofia who grabbed her elbow protectively.

"There you are, Sky." Quill's familiar voice cut through Sky's rising panic.

"Love!" The word tumbled from Sky's lips before she could think. "Hey, you're back."

Quill's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before understanding clicked. In two smooth steps, she was at Sky's side, arm sliding around her waist. Her lips pressed against Sky's temple, but her eyes locked onto the guys with unmistakable challenge.

"Everything okay here?" Quill's voice carried an edge Sky had never heard before. The possessive grip on her waist sent sparks shooting through Sky's body.

"We were just leaving." The guys backed away, hands raised in surrender.

Sky melted into Quill's side, heart racing from more than just the close call. Quill's thumb traced small circles on her hip, the touch both comforting and electrifying. Sky couldn't understand why her skin felt like it was on fire, or why she wanted to turn and bury her face in Quill's neck.

"Okay ka lang, Sky?" Quill's breath tickled Sky's ear.

Sky nodded, not trusting her voice. Her friends whooped and cheered behind them, but all she could focus on was the solid warmth of Quill's body against hers, the protective way she held on even after the guys disappeared into the crowd.

This was Quill - her Ate Quill - so why did everything suddenly feel different? Why did she want the hand on her waist to stay there forever?

»

The transition between sets buzzed through the crowd like electricity. Sky had barely recovered from RINI's performance when the stage lights dimmed. Her heart jumped as the opening beats of Kehlani's "Nights Like This" pulsed through the speakers.

"Oh my god, oh my god!" Sky clutched Sofia's arm. The bass dropped, and Kehlani emerged from a cloud of smoke, her silhouette cutting through the haze.

The moment Kehlani's hips hit that first body roll, Sky lost all composure. "AAAAAHHH! KEHLANI!" Her voice cracked as she screamed, jumping up and down. "Oh my god! AAAAAAAHH!"

"We see her," Jolie snickered. "The whole festival can hear you seeing her."

Sky didn't care. Kehlani launched into a particularly sultry dance break, and Sky's screams reached new octaves. Her hands flew to her face, fingers splayed as she peeked through them at the stage.

"I can't- I just- LOOK AT HER!"

A familiar click made Sky turn. Quill held Sky's phone up, recording her complete meltdown with barely contained laughter.

""For the memories," Quill smirked, keeping the phone steady as Sky flailed.

"Delete mo yan!" Sky reached for her phone, but Quill held it higher, still filming.

"No chance. This is priceless," Quill's eyes lit up with mirth. "Future Sky has to witness this.""

"Our little Sky, all grown up, thirsty, and maybe a little bit gay." Jolie wiped away a fake tear.

"I am not-" Sky's protest died as Kehlani hit another perfect move. "SLAY QUEEN!"

Gabby snorted into her drink. "You were saying?"

"Let her live and be gay," Sofia giggled, supporting Sky as she nearly toppled over from excitement. "Look how happy she is!"

Sky barely registered their teasing. Kehlani owned the stage, each movement precise and powerful, and Sky couldn't contain her joy. She bounced and screamed and clutched at whoever was closest - usually Quill, who somehow managed to keep filming despite Sky using her as a human support beam.

The music pulsed through Sky's veins as Kehlani transitioned into "Honey," the slower rhythm making her sway. Her throat felt raw from screaming, but she couldn't stop smiling. The festival lights painted everything in dreamy colors, and the VIP section felt like their own private bubble away from reality.

Sky leaned back against the railing, catching her breath. Her shoulder pressed against Quill's, and she noticed her friend had finally lowered the phone, tucking it safely into Sky's bag.

"Having fun?" Quill's voice carried that gentle tone that always made Sky feel warm inside.

"The best." Sky turned to face her, their arms touching. "Thank you again for the tickets. For being here."

Something flickered across Quill's face - too quick for Sky to catch - before her usual soft smile returned. The stage lights caught in her dark hair, creating hints of gold that Sky had never noticed before. Had Quill's eyes always crinkled at the corners like that when she smiled?

A sharp elbow in her ribs broke the moment. "Earth to Sky!" Sofia wiggled between them, brandishing her phone. "Group selfie time!"

Sky blinked, trying to shake off the strange flutter in her chest. She found herself being squished between Sofia and Quill as their friends crowded in. Jolie made bunny ears behind Gabby's head while Sofia stretched her arm out for the perfect angle.

"Say 'Kehlani!'" Sofia called.

The flash went off, capturing their laughter. Sky felt Quill's arm settle around her waist again - protective, steady, just like always. But this time, the touch sent tingles up her spine that had nothing to do with the bass reverberating through the crowd.

The music throbbed through Sky's bones as Kehlani's voice filled the night air. Her throat felt raw from screaming, but she couldn't stop grinning. Every time the bass dropped, electricity shot through her veins.

Quill's arm stayed wrapped around her waist, solid and warm. Sky found herself leaning into the touch more than necessary, telling herself it was just the crowd pressing them together. But the festival lights caught the soft angles of Quill's face, and Sky's breath hitched. She'd never noticed how the colors played across Quill's features, painting her in shades of gold and purple.

"Want some water?" Quill's voice cut through Sky's thoughts. "Kanina ka pa nasigaw."

"Okay lang ak-" Sky's voice cracked, proving Quill's point.

Quill's laugh vibrated through Sky's side. She pulled away to dig through her bag, and Sky immediately missed her warmth. The spot where Quill's hand had rested tingled, like an echo of her touch.

"Here." Quill pressed a cold water bottle into Sky's hands. Their fingers brushed, and Sky nearly dropped it.

What was wrong with her tonight? This was Quill - her Quill, her best friend, her... The thought trailed off as Quill tucked a strand of hair behind Sky's ear, the gesture so natural it made Sky's heart ache.

"You okay?" Quill's eyes searched her face. "You seem distracted."

"I'm fine!" Sky's voice came out too high. She took a long drink of water to hide her burning cheeks. "Just excited about the music."

Kehlani launched into another song, and Sky latched onto the distraction. She threw herself back into dancing, trying to ignore how aware she'd become of Quill's presence beside her. But every accidental touch, every shared laugh, every moment their eyes met sent sparks through her system that had nothing to do with the performance.

The night air hit Sky's face as they emerged from the venue, her ears still ringing from the concert. Her throat felt raw, but a good kind of raw - the kind that came from screaming lyrics at the top of her lungs and living in perfect moments.

"'Di ko na ma feel yung paa ko." Sofia collapsed onto a nearby bench, pulling off her platforms.

"That's what you get for wearing those torture devices." Jolie stretched her arms overhead. "Some of us came prepared."

"Says the one in combat boots." Gabby raised an eyebrow. "Real comfortable."

Sky barely registered their banter. Her skin buzzed with leftover adrenaline, and she couldn't stop replaying moments from the night - not just the performances, but the way Quill's arm had felt around her waist, the soft press of her lips against Sky's temple when those guys wouldn't leave her alone.

"Hatid na kita?" Quill's voice pulled Sky back to reality. She stood close enough that Sky caught the faint scent of her perfume mixed with concert sweat.

"Yes, please." The words came out breathier than Sky intended. She blamed it on her screaming-ravaged throat.

Their friends split off toward their respective rides - Sofia and Gabby sharing a Grab, Jolie's cousin picking her up. Sky followed Quill to her car, their shoulders bumping as they walked. The contact sent tingles down Sky's arm.

The parking lot stretched before them, dotted with other concert-goers heading home. Sky's feet ached, but she didn't mind. Everything felt dreamlike - the cool night air, the distant echo of music still pulsing through her body, the way Quill's hand found the small of her back to guide her through the crowd.

"Watch your step." Quill steadied Sky as she stumbled over an uneven patch of pavement.

Sky's heart skipped. She'd lost count of how many times Quill had caught her tonight, each touch leaving her more confused than the last. This was Quill - her best friend, her protector, her... The thought trailed off as Quill opened the passenger door for her with that gentle smile Sky knew so well.

The engine died as Quill pulled into Sky's condo parking spot. Sky's body still hummed with concert energy, making her fingers tap against her thighs.

"Oh, before I forget-" Quill turned in her seat. "Mom's birthday is next next week. Private dinner at the house, just close family and friends. Your parents are invited too."

"Tita Marie's birthday!" Sky clapped her hands. "I need to get her something special. Maybe that perfume she mentioned last time? Or- oh! Those artisan chocolates she loves. The ones from that boutique downtown."

"The ones she hoarded at Christmas?"

"Exactly! May new flavors na sila now. Lavender honey and..." Sky's voice trailed off as she caught Quill watching her, lips curved in that soft smile that made her eyes crinkle at the corners. Heat crept up Sky's neck. "What?"

"Wala." Quill's smile widened. "Ang cute mo kapag na e-excite."

Sky's heart stuttered. The streetlight caught the gold flecks in Quill's eyes, and suddenly the car felt too small, too intimate.

"I should go." Sky fumbled with her seatbelt. "Thank you again for tonight. For everything."

Before she could overthink it, Sky leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Quill's cheek. Her lips tingled at the contact.

"Good night!" Sky practically tumbled out of the car, her face burning as she rushed toward her building.

Sky's hands shook as she typed out the message: "Text me when you get home?" She stared at her phone, heart racing as she remembered the warmth of Quill's cheek against her lips.

The bathroom steam wrapped around her like a cocoon as she sank into the tub. Hot water soothed her aching feet, but did nothing to calm the flutter in her chest. The concert replayed in her mind - not just Kehlani's performance, but every moment with Quill. The protective arm around her waist. The gentle touches. The way Quill's eyes crinkled when she smiled.

Sky dunked her head under water, trying to clear her thoughts. This was Quill. Her best friend since forever. So why couldn't she stop thinking about how safe she felt pressed against Quill's side? Why did her skin tingle every time she remembered Quill's lips against her temple?

Wrapped in her favorite pink pajamas, Sky curled under her covers. Her phone lit up with a message from Quill:

"Home safe. Thanks for checking on me ♥"

Sky's stomach did a backflip at the heart emoji. She'd seen it hundreds of times before, but tonight it felt different. Everything felt different.

Another message popped up:

"Sweet dreams, Sky. Tonight was perfect."

Sky hugged her phone to her chest, grinning like an idiot at her ceiling. Her heart wouldn't stop racing, and her cheeks hurt from smiling. She typed back "Good night ♥"

before burying her face in her pillow with a squeal she didn't quite understand.